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Loxahatchee Loxahatchee RiverRiver

A unique Florida treasure...

Ecosystem and Habitats

This watershed is home to many rare and endangered species, such as the wood stork and four petal paw-paw, a shrub found only in this area.

Changes Over Time

Dredging, construction of canals and highways, and water use have changed water flow patterns, degraded water quality, and resulted in the loss of natural areas.

Protecting the River

Many efforts are under way to protect and restore the Loxahatchee River and its remaining 260-square-mile watershed.

Loxahatchee River DistrictThe Loxahatchee River District is the leading authority on the Loxahatchee River. It has scientific and educational programs, and serves as an advisory agency for the many diverse efforts under way.

Looking at the Looking at the WatershedWatershedThe Loxahatchee River covers

approximately 260 square miles. There are several key habitats

contained within this ecosystem.

Grassy Waters Grassy Waters PreservePreserve

The headwaters of the river are located in Grassy Waters Preserve. Sawgrass, spike rush, cypress trees, and hardwood hammocks are the dominant habitats in this area.

Grassy Waters Grassy Waters PreservePreserve

Historically, the water flowed from the Grassy Water marshes and swamps through the Loxahatchee Slough northward to the Southwest and Northwest Forks of the Loxahatchee River.

Three forks of Three forks of the Riverthe River

The Southwest Fork:

Three forks of Three forks of the Riverthe River

The North Fork:

Three forks of Three forks of the Riverthe River

The Northwest Fork:

Three forks of Three forks of the Riverthe River

The Wild and Scenic portion of the river is in

the Northwest Fork

Wild and Scenic Wild and Scenic RiverRiverThe pristine waters of Florida’s first Wild

and Scenic River are a beautiful reminder of the joys of being in nature.

Wild and Scenic Wild and Scenic RiverRiver

Cypress trees and sabal palms tower over you as you quietly canoe down the meandering river. The water

here is fresh, and often you will see turtles and alligators basking in the sun and ospreys soaring above you.

Wild and Scenic Wild and Scenic RiverRiverJonathan Dickinson State Park includes significant portions of the

Northwest Fork. For this reason, many areas remain untouched by human development and impacts.

Southwest ForkSouthwest ForkToday, the C-18 canal is connected to the Southwest Fork for

flood control. During a flood control release, the structure near Indiantown Road and I-95 (S-46) is opened and

freshwater moves into the Southwest Fork of the river.

Southwest ForkSouthwest ForkThe Southwest Fork has seen much residential and commercial

development in the last century, but it is still home to oyster reefs. One oyster can clean up to 50 gallons per day!

North ForkNorth ForkThe North Fork has also been developed extensively. Seawalls,

docks, and bridges are common along its banks.

EstuaryEstuaryThe downstream section of each fork is brackish, part

saltwater and part freshwater, and support many important species such as mangroves, oysters, and seagrasses.

Central Central EmbaymentEmbayment

All three forks flow into the Central Embayment area.

Central Central EmbaymentEmbaymentThis area provides wonderful recreational

opportunities for boaters.

Jupiter InletJupiter InletThe Central Embayment then flows out through the

Jupiter Inlet into the Atlantic Ocean and marine habitats.

Jupiter InletJupiter InletThis area provides marine habitat and is home to many

coral reef species.

LagoonsLagoonsThe Indian River Lagoon to the north and the Lake Worth Creek Aquatic Preserve to the south, also known as the Intracoastal

Waterway, also flows into the embayment/inlet area.

LagoonsLagoonsThese two bodies of water are rich with marine species and are an important nursery habitat for reef fish and

game fish such as snook and snapper.

With more than 4,300 species of plants and animals, the Indian River Lagoon is the most biodiverse estuary in

North America.

EcosystemEcosystemAs you can see, the Loxahatchee River is a

diverse and complex ecosystem, supporting a wide range of species.

RecreationRecreation The Loxahatchee River is a vital part of our local community. Many people live on the water and

enjoy its peacefulness and beauty. Others choose to use the river for their recreation.

RecreationRecreation The Loxahatchee River offers many “wild

and scenic” adventures.

RecreationRecreation Fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, swimming, and hiking are all wonderful ways to

experience the Loxahatchee River.

RecreationRecreation We are responsible for the health of the river. Join the Loxahatchee River District as we "Preserve Nature by Design".